Phase II Pilot Study Comparing Surgical Release of the Filum Terminale Versus Medical Management for Treating Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether surgical release of the filum terminale, a fibrous tissue at the end of the spinal cord, provides better symptom relief than medical management in patients with Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome OTCS. This phase II pilot randomized-controlled trial aims to assess the preliminary effectiveness and safety of surgery compared to medical treatment for this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to either undergo surgical untethering of the filum terminale or receive only medical management. Symptom improvement and any adverse events will be monitored and recorded for one year after treatment begins. After at least one year, patients initially receiving medical management may switch to surgery if the principal investigator considers it beneficial. Throughout the study, participants will have their symptoms evaluated using the OCCULT Scale at the start and after one year. Additional assessments include urologic and fecal incontinence scores, medication changes, and intra-operative findings during surgery. Safety and symptom changes will be carefully tracked for one year to understand the treatment effects and risks involved.

Investigation of Surgical Sectioning of the Filum Terminale in Treating Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome Patients